The headline: US Airways to Charge for Pillows.
My first thought: More airline fees?!
Then I began to rationalize this charge and concluded that $7 is a small price to pay to stay healthy. From a wellness perspective, who wants a snotty blanket and pillow that some other passenger has drooled (or worse) all over during the previous flight?
Not me. On a recent flight from DEN to SFO, I sat next to a mother and her daughter, who was probably 2-years-old. The child proceeded to eat cheesy Doritos during the flight, and then upchucked down the window of the plane, and yes, onto the airline-provided blanket. The next passenger was in for a surprise.
Even prior to the aforementioned incident, I did not cuddle up with the blanket and pillow offered on my flights. This is something that has always grossed me out, so I am all for airlines charging for pillows and blankets. I’ve been reading through comments on sites such as USA Today, and there are a lot of people who are unhappy with this fee. To all of those people, I say, think about it what is on that borrowed blanket and pillow.
Stay healthy…pay for your own!
Jet Blue also charges $7 for a pillow and blanket kit.
Comments
Feb 09, 2009
I do not mind paying the fees either. It's a small price to pay for a clean pillow and blanket. And, why are 2-year-olds eating Doritos?! For coast to coast flights, I always bring my own navy blue cashmere (yes! ultra chic) blanket.
Feb 09, 2009
My pilot friend once told me that if the blanket is wrapped in plastic then it's okay to use -- it's definitely been cleaned. But if it isn't, then stay well away!
I actually always bring a pashmina on flights now -- it's blanket-esque and at least I know where it's been!
Feb 09, 2009
I'm not sure how to feel about this. Is paying for a clean pillow the only choice? I mean...why can't that be included in the $500 price tag? I certainly don't expect hotels to charge me extra if I want, heaven forbid, a clean pillow.
I think I could get onboard if they stopped charging for baggage. There should be a line in the sand. Basic amenities should be included: baggage, sodas, snacks, etc. And add-ons can be extra: meals, movies, blankets, etc.
There you go, airline industry! I'm meeting you half way!